|
||
|
Disclaimer:
The reviewers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheatreLouisville.org. |
Peer Reviews The Gingerbread Lady By Neil Simon
Directed by Mike Seely Reviewed by Keith Waits Entire contents are copyright © 2007, Keith Waits. All rights reserved.
Neil Simon is one of the more oft-perfomed playwrights, and many of his works have been adapted for film with great success, but The Gingerbread Lady is arguably one of his least-known titles. Originally performed in 1970, it was one of his earliest attempts to incorporate more dramatic elements into his work, after the huge success of comedies such as Barefoot in the Park and The Odd Couple. The story concerns Evy Meara, a singer returning home after a stint in rehab for alcoholism. Two close friends and her teenage daughter attempt to help her cope with sobriety and her inevitable fall off the wagon. The Wayward Actors Company production does a pretty good job capturing the balance of humor and pathos Simon seems to have intended. Dialogue is a key element in any Simon play, and the cast captures the rhythm and pacing appropriately. Jamie Lentz does an admirable job as Evy, bringing restraint to a role that could easily be overplayed. As her friends, Rich Galey and Candy Thomas are also fine, although at times they tend to be a little self-conscious. In contrast, Kevin Temple, in the small role of Evy's abusive paramour, delivers a natural, unforced performance. Magdalen Hartman displays a good deal of charm as Evy's daughter, although she seemed to struggle with some of the play's more abrupt emotional transitions. Hernando Castro rounds out the ensemble, effectively milking laughs from the clichéd bit character of the Hispanic grocery delivery man. Director Mike Seely's program notes and curtain speech reflect an unfussy, no-nonsense approach, and this carries through the production. The concentration is on the characters and the story, although there is good attention to the period detail, especially some appropriately unflattering 1970's fashions in the costumes. I like this company's choice of material. These are worthwhile plays rarely produced anywhere in this region, and by choosing them, Wayward Actors Company confidently carves out a niche for themselves in the Louisville theatre scene.
The
Gingerbread Lady Dec. 21-31, 2007 Posted Dec. 23, 2007
|
|